After the Book Launch - Reflections

Whew. Last week was a marathon! I worked hard the entire week, trying numerous social media posts and events to promote my debut novel, The Heart Changer. The week culminated with my book signing at a local tea shop. Did my dedicated research on the topic of book launches prove successful as I put them into practice? I had many concerns about the launch, which I revealed in a blogpost here. But, how did it really go?

​Why don't you be the judge?

Well, on Sunday, my book-signing was held at a local teashop, and to my delight, I had over thirty of my friends and family come out to support me! At one point there was standing room only. As I reflected on the day, it felt like one big group hug. They all listened intently as I read a scene from my novel, had a Q&A, and showed my book trailer. In between, I signed books, and had three drawings for gift baskets. I found it a delightful challenge to think up appropriate phrases to include with my signature that reflected the atmosphere of the story.

But, let’s back up a bit. On Friday evening, the day of my launch, I hosted a Facebook Live event. Around eight friends showed up. Now, that might not seem like a success, but for me, it was — I was worried no one would show! It was basically a half-hour of Q&A, and I filled the time quite nicely. It was easy — I love to talk.

Then, on Saturday afternoon, I tried a chat party on my author’s FB Page. Only three showed up for that, but I was content. What is a chat party, you ask? Well, I created images with questions for my viewers, along with images posted with links to my email list or downloads. One was a link to Syrian recipes. If you’d like to check out my chat party, like my Page, and scroll down a number of images, and you will see the burgundy framed posts. Feel free to ask questions and take advantage of the downloads while you are there!

Each day during launch week, I put myself out there and did a FB/instagram Live character sketch, highlighting two minor characters and three main characters. You may see them as you scroll down on my Page Yes, I made a fool of myself, but it was for the sake of The Heart Changer. I discovered I enjoyed performing in front of the camera with no way to delete or take back what I said. If you knew me as a child (extremely shy) you would not have believed it was me. Here’s a taste below:

This was my favorite task of all . . . to create a book trailer! Now, it’s not professional produced, but I am definitely pleased with the results. I learned a ton from the experience. What was your favorite part?

If you haven’t purchased your copy of The Heart Changer, you can do so here on Amazon. If you have, you are entitled to a free download of Miriam’s theme song, In the Desert. Find it HERE.

Want to keep up with my latest endeavors on my author’s journey, along with inspiration from Life, Literature and Travel? I’d love to connect HERE.

And as I have said many times before, Reviews are an author’s best friend. Can you help me reach 50 reviews?? I’d sure value an honest review! Here are the links to my online sales: Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, BookBub and christianbook.com.

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I am honored to contribute a book to the kidlit community that brings hope to young readers. There’s so much in this world that is dark and discouraging. War, bullying, lack of self-identity, families falling apart. The Heart Changer is a story of hope and forgiveness — even to those who make our lives miserable. Would you recommend my debut historical novel to your favorite middle-grader? Children’s Book Week is celebrating its 100th Anniversary. Put a good book in the hands of a child. He or she will thank you for it. Maybe not now, but someday!

What book influenced you the most as a child? Let me know below. . .

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